Job Description
Apply NowField Data Collector, National School Foods Study (Nationwide Opportunities) - Travel Required
Job ID 2218Position Description:
Mathematica applies expertise at the intersection of data, methods, policy, and practice to improve well-being around the world. We collaborate closely with public-and private-sector partners to translate big questions into deep insights that improve programs, refine strategies, and enhance understanding using data science and analytics. Our work yields actionable information to guide decisions in wide-ranging policy areas, from health, education, early childhood, and family support to nutrition, employment, disability, and international development.
Mathematica is seeking Field Data Collectors to work on the 2024—2025 National School Foods Study, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). The study will provide a comprehensive picture of school-based nutrition programs including nutritional quality, cost, acceptability of school meals, and changes in food acquisitions and purchase practices. Study information will be collected through computer-assisted interviews, and observations of childcare environments and the meals and snacks consumed by children. Data collection will take place in school districts nationwide from January through June 2025, with a potential opportunity for additional data collection work from September through December 2025.
Responsibilities may vary based on project placement, and will include any of the following:
- Conduct observations of school meal environments and/or measurements of foods offered, consumed, and wasted.
- Conduct meal cost surveys.
- Conduct student surveys.
- Work directly with school staff to collect student and school level data.
- Maintain confidentiality of project and participant information at all times.
- Submit timely and accurate Time & Expense reports (travel time and mileage is fully reimbursable).
Position Requirements:
- Experience teaching, training, accounting, providing school nutrition services, or conducting computer-assisted surveys is preferred.
- Experience working in school environments and professional settings.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Computer skills, including email and internet proficiency.
- Effective time, schedule, and workload management skills to meet set deadlines and a commitment to reliability and high-quality productivity.
- Must have a valid driver's license and reliable personal automobile available for business use.
- Ability to work a minimum of 25 hours per week for the duration of the project. Must be available to travel out of town for up to one week at a time.
All hires will be required to attend a one-week in-person project training in January 2025 at our Princeton, New Jersey, office location.
Attendance and successful completion of all scheduled training sessions is required to work on the project.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and a resume. This position offers an hourly rate beginning at $21 per hour.
This position is categorized as on-call, and as such, the hours may at times vary based on project needs. Your employment will be classified as on-call until the duration of the project(s) or need(s) is complete.
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Available Locations: Huntsville, AL; Anchorage; AK; Phoenix, AZ; Little Rock, AK; Los Angeles, CA; Denver; CO; Bridgeport, CT; Wilmington, DE; Washington, DC; Jacksonville, FL; Atlanta, GA; Honolulu, HI; Boise, ID; Chicago, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Des Moines, IA; Wichita, KS; Louisville, KY; New Orleans, LA; Portland, ME; Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Detroit, MI; Minneapolis, MN; Jackson, MS; Kansas City, MO; Billings, MT; Omaha, NE; Las Vegas, NV; Newark, NJ; Albuquerque, NM; New York, NY; Charlotte, NC; Fargo, ND; Columbus, OH; Oklahoma City, OK; Portland, OR; Philadelphia, PA; Providence, RI; Charleston, SC; Sioux Falls, SD; Nashville, TN; Houston, TX; Salt Lake City, UT; Burlington, VT; Virginia Beach, VA; Seattle, WA; Charleston, WV; Milwaukee, WI; Cheyenne, WY
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.
At Mathematica, we understand the importance of building relationships with colleagues. If you’re not located near one of our offices but would like opportunities to meet up with co-workers, we offer coworking spaces where available. Ask your Talent Acquisition partner for more information about this opportunity and whether it’s an option in your area.
Any offer of employment will be contingent upon passing a background check. Various federal agencies with whom we contract require that staff successfully undergo security clearance as a condition of working on the project. If you are assigned to such a project, you will be required to obtain the requisite security clearance. Additionally, if you participate in/complete the application process and are denied, Mathematica may choose to terminate your employment.
Although Mathematica does not require vaccination from COVID-19 as a condition of employment, various projects or agencies may require documentation of vaccination (or an approved exception/accommodation).
We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. We encourage staff to collaborate in developing creative solutions to difficult problems and to share the responsibility and enjoyment of carrying out complex projects. This collegial spirit has helped us earn our reputation for innovative and high quality work.
One of Mathematica’s core values is a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our work is more robust because it is informed by a variety of diverse perspectives, and our mission to improve societal well-being is strengthened by a greater understanding of issues and challenges facing the populations we serve. Mathematica’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion is woven into our everyday actions, policies, and practices—including decisions regarding recruitment, training, compensation, and promotion. We are dedicated to maintaining a work environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity.